Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Health and Wealth: J. Rossling Presentation

Here's a nice and easy way to look at the links of health with wealth.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

backheeling

Whushi and me are back here, blogspot.

Since I'm one of the many thousands unemployed in CA and US, it's better not to part away with $2.99 monthly to Ning (cheapskate! Kuripot, in Tagalog and Bikol). Besides, the few courageous members (who made public their masochist tendencies) on BR.ning.com are very busy individuals who are simultaneously, wasting time blahhihachooing in facebook or at hi5 or grouply or frendster or orbuk . . .


Anyway, if any of the blue-bloody or mind-bloody BRs (and aliens too) decide to spare a few words worth sharing with Bikolandia or Pilipinas -- just email it to Patty or Whushi at bikolrepublika@gmail.com


So, WHY NOT change?


F L U X from candas sisman on Vimeo.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Urulay/Conversation 1: Pinas' Statal Forms

Maray na aldaw asin bangi sa gabos!

Welcome to urulay or conversations about Bikol ideas on Pinas government forms. I am Whushi and I will act as your ‘facilitator.' You can join in through comments. If it’s a short article, kindly send it to me: whumayupo@gmail.com

We start with James Jacob of Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines:

I would prefer the creation of an Association of Independent Nations, Philippines. The national government, after a massive information campaign, shall hold a referendum. Si mga regions na gusto mag-secede asin magsarasadiri tutugotan. Si mga matatada shall have the option of forming the association based on mutual interests and respect for sovereignty. They will agree on how their relationship will be governed. Each independent nation shall also determine how it will govern itself. Bikol can either be a republik or a member of the association, bahala man siya sa buhay niya...Halawig na urulay ini Whushi, pero sa heling ko sa arog lang kaining paagi makakabuelo ang orag kan Pinoy na magiging dalan kan satong pag-uswag asin sa pagigi tang kagdaog sa kinaban hahaha!

Monday, June 16, 2008

BR Background (Forefend)

In the mid 1990s there were car stickers saying BIKOLano ako. Some months later, a novelty shop was selling coffee mugs printed with BIKOLANO AKO. That and more types of "sightings" were discussed by a group of Bikolians (cultural masochists really) as proofs that they were not alone. The cultural masochists felt some comfort in the thought that there are other people with Bikol angst or that they are not the only intelligent mob explorers (illusionary or real) with lofty aspirations (including arty coffee mugs and T-shirts) for the region’s enlightened future (ahem).

Do I have the weight to lay down the events leading to the formation of Bikol Republika? Yes. For I am Whushi Mayupo from the WU (World of the Unknown, to most people). I’m more than a complice to Bikol Republika or BR; I am always (when not on vacation) amidst BR, its inner muse and chief counsel for eternity. However, my recollections must be treated with subjectivity.

At one of the core group meetings of letra bikol ink. (this is an association of Bikol writers and the publisher of letra magazine)in 1997, Patty or Patricia San Jose-Lacerna broached BR as a bicycle for change (hasn’t she heard of hybrid cars or magnet-powered trains?).

That day Patty learned about a “Bikol Republic” spearheaded by Mr. Nonong Trivino with seemingly similar sentiments. (Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Trivino who passed away in 2001.) Within those following weeks she was already on-the-way foggy with pobolusion—with what—base of change, Bikol specifically. To Patty, BR is one bike as letra zine is another bike.

Anyway, "bike company" was A-okay to spur change although no one has yet forwarded a clear nuts and bolts about Bikolandia’s transformation. Perhaps they were all thinking, which Patty did considered, now's not the right time. But hey, all felt jolly good (including Heneral Mendes and me) describing affairs of the land or of BR possible scenarios and simply, in being together. We’re all old souls, you know, without the humans' awareness.

After about three exploratory sessions over hot brewed coffee and ice-cold beer, the central group decided to push through with the idea of a cultural transformation "movement". The consensus was to come out with fliers or teasers introducing BR— like a new brand of green laundry soap or sneakers. Or bikes.

Some underlined factors were the "no-structure" organization and healthy-humor-activities. So far, taong-lipod Hen. Mendes of Earth was voted to head BR with spiritual commander title. Marlon Ragrario and Patty were tasked (or did they assigned themselves?) to commit the ah-oh-wha-ha-uhum-he-he probes to writing. Meaning, they’ll draw up BR’s framework. As usual, I'm delegated as observer, only active when consulted.

So the three of us decided an afternoon at Alfredo’s CafĂ© for a more plotting mood, ah, set about to make history or mere story. Patty and I prepared the draft in a question-format. When we met, Marlon did nailed down most answers to the questions (I’d say, he got the funny gene). In spite of the weak black coffee we had a riot imagining ironically comic situations of BR state of affairs with inceptions of local personalities and tsismis (gossip). The funding query for the "movement" is bleak but that did not bother them, you know,being artists.

Three weeks passed before BR Fastprimer (consists of the serious part and "unserious") hit the photocopying machine and then distributed personally. In the process, two more meetings ensued. Tootsie Jamoralin coined FastPrimer, edited murderous puns and grammar, and sprinkled a bit of his own homegrown wit. Danny Gerona nodded and shared responses coming from other masochists. Frank Penones III easily labored through the night the Bikol translation. Of course, Hen. Mendes and I, as then and now, never meddled with any one's decisions. We just offer support for their dreams to altruistic projects.

Here are a few of the Fastprimer’s initial solicited reactions: Is this a cult? Are you really serious about this? Wow, a state of mind state. Mind-breaker! I think we’ll have a Norte Republika too. We’ll have a Visaya Rep. Who’s your leader? Who’s Heneral Mendes? Let’s have an army as well! Do you have BR Tee shirts or mugs? Uhm, the military will (always) think BR is serious. Most of the anticipated questions are clarified in the Q&A ('unserious') section of the Fastprimer.

The serious and "unserious" parts of BR Fastprimer is to tickle the Bikolian mind onto the idea of change (and act on it seriously and selflessly, I hope). The time to change is NOW view may not be BR’s most indicative factor. The unstructured set up is, which is based on the ancient wisdom of impermanence and interdependence. What naturally follows is a "continuum" (Patty thinks the word "movement" leaves her with qualms). As such it has no hang up with positions or organizational functions, concrete leaders, or asphalted beliefs. These are the reasons for the inverted letter e in Republika (no show— I’m an idiot with computers) that expresses fluid change rather than mere coolness, and where, at an eye glance, intends to differentiate BR from other Republics or Republikas. The inverted e connotes every sadire’s (self) courage and creativity to face po or spirit, our transformative potential. The book Pobolusion & Bikol Republika ruminates po in relation to Bikol development. Of course, those notions are still being chewed over by the author and by BR citizens (thank you po). The Fastprimer (serious and "unserious") is also designed to start a discussion (na naman!) on Bikol development or pobolusion.

The Fastprimer (serious and "unserious") has been updated. The fat concern is on global security neurosis. Well, we don’t want conventional governments, religions, and terrorists to feel insecure or to take BR too narrowly. For the record— ideas or opinions here are exclusively those of the authors and nobody else’s, from the 1st dimension onto the 11th. The first two postings were entered by Patricia San Jose-Lacerna so that this site would not appear fictitious. Thanks Pat. (Besides, almost all of the article’s ideas were really mine, no kidding!)

Here’s a message from Patty: To some original BR earthlings, where are you guys? Just to remind that all of you will remain BR citizens forever, whether you like it or not (you know why). I haven’t heard from most of you since I moved to the Northwest of the planet. Hen. Mendes said that some of your landlines were never replaced after downed by Bikol typhoons. Perhaps most of you lost interest. Or, are masyadong very busy (copycat!). One reason is Illness. Take your time to heal well Rey! Shanti!

Whatever, Patty, I'm sure the different paths our 'missing' guys tread on are as healthy as pobolusion or BR. As they say, diversities make up the parts of the whole. To the 'orig' and new BR citizens— don't forget to shake the Iba tree so it will bear more fruit.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Not-so-Serious Q&A (Bikol Republika)

Questions Often Asked:

Is Bikol Republika (BR) a secessionist movement?

BR is a state of mind, a cultural transformation continuum (conventionally based upon the interdependence of consciousness, body, and environment). BR works with the principle that real development begins with our concept of sadire ("self"). Therefore, whether you are physically based in Bikol, in other regions of the Philippines, in other countries, anywhere in the world or surfing in other planets of the universe, you are in Bikol Republika as far as you, as a true-blue, hot spicy and crunchy BR citizen are concerned.

What ideology does BR espouse?

BR is high on tolerance for various interpretations and perspectives. A tolerance borne out of respect and humor. BR respects individual beliefs and disbeliefs, ideas and oddeas, values and valuables, worldviews and needlepoint views, orientation and disorientation, including individual eccentricities or out-of-this-world-mind-bends. In other words, whether or not you believe in a personal or universal god (gods), individualism, communism, capitalism, any ism, or just "sm" (segunda-mano), we believe you. As long as you don’t stick a gun at our heads — we swear not to speak French and grow biased earwax.


How is one to fulfill one’s social and political commitments as a BR citizen?

Your creativity and humor will do. Your ability to have fun or the light touch of appreciation for reality is given premium in BR. Please shove this into your hot sili brains: cultural evolution starts with sadire. You can begin with any pursuit or all activities mentioned below.

These are BR wings towards cultural transformation:

1. BR citizens and adherents  are required to study and understand pobolusion at heart. Pobolusion is the extra virgin coconut oil to combat complacency, ignorance, greed, despondency, bonsai ego-centered habits, to dry skin and hair. Attend under-the tree-/-stars dialogues or conversations to learn more.

2. She/he should also study, conduct research, observe, analyse, reflect, contemplate, interpret, document any and all data and information, including bits and pieces of tsismis, tsikahan, chitchat, kun ano pa man, related to Bikol truths, and feed these into the BR data bank for the education and reference of all BR citizens. Think globally and act Bikol!

3. A BR citizen is required to inform his family, love ones, or friends that he or she is a citizen of Bikol Republika and explain to them what it is all about. One can sing it out, sketch it, use tigsik or rawit-dawit, do a full-scale theater performance, or somersaults, a strip act, anything. Share what you know to people you love with art or good deeds.

4. Massive multimedia information and education campaign for any BR/related activities.

5. Wide-range colloquium on the Bikol Republika, pobolusion, and priority issues. These are open to all Bikol sectors belonging to all social sectors and guimata levels.

6. Set up BR registration, donation, and action centers in key towns and cities of Bikol Republika. (Quality invisible ink is a must for signature signing; only available at BR main headquarters.) 

7.  If you're a BR citizen in good standing for three years, you can apply for a passport at a BR Consulate Office (addresses will be released soon).

8. Forge diplomatic ties with the other Bikol provinces and other Republikas of the country as well as with:

-Republic of Vanwhat-u
-Somaleland Republic
-American Indianpana Movement
-Okeynawan Independence Movement
-Oduwa People’s Congress
-Ayno Movement
-Suda-Ines Liberation Movement
-Basquit Nationalist Independence Movement
-Tikbet Independence Movement
-Textako Republic
-Smile Republic (he,he,he)
-Ilocus Republic (under study)
-Mercos Religious Cult (under review)
-Bottoms Up Republic (we’ll drink to that) and
-United Creative Beings of Peaceful Galaxies

9. Use po when looking at the world (even at women and men).

10. Practice mindful thoughts and actions. If you can, do daily meditation, contemplation, or habol. Avoid borrowing money and things from anyone, including parents, kins, sangraan or bombay. Avoid or refrain from unhealthy thoughts, activities, foods, drinks, and environments.

11. Help BR cultural masochists to create and establish its web site.

Here are some gut issues that all BR citizens must face to resolve:

· Bonsai Worldviews
· Bikol Energy, Power Alternatives, and Management Autonomy
· Poverty
· Agriculture and Ecoculture
· Food Security
· Education and Schooling
· Social Services, Taxes, and Expense Priorities
· Health, Preventive Medicine, Disease and Illness
· Capitalism, Federalism, Bioregionalism, or What?
· Population Control?
· Environmental Degradation
· Your Suggestions or New Designs or Inventions

Who whiphands Bikol Republika?

Asug Mayupo from the world of the unseen is our spiritual leader. Taonglipod Heneral Mendes is the chief of staff. Assisting them from the world of the seen, are a number of Bikol cultural masochists.


Is BR legit?

BR is a member in good standing of the Federation of Virtual Micro-States, the Intergalactic Society of Creative Creatures for Peace, UFO (United Flying Organisms) of the Universe, Universes' Science Glitz Development Association, and of the United Under-Arm Security International. The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission cannot classify or pigeonhole BR — that’s how legit it is.

How far is BR committed to history?

As far as we dare. How far would you like to go?

How far can a BR adherent/citizen retain any sense of transcendent value?

How honest and lucid is your commitment to reality? Do you have the fearlessness to face and live it?

Saturday, April 26, 2008

BR FastPrimer (Seriously)

Bikol Republika is a state of mind. Bikol Republika is composed of the collective sadire (self) in a continuing endeavor to extend it's sense of self as human being and as a Filipino. Bikol Republika then aspires to the realisation of happiness because it is the Bikolian's nature (as of all human beings) and that is best survived in wholeness — with regional, national,global, universal, to Kosmos awareness.

But before we, Bikolians, can become true happy beings, we should first understand where we are now.

For the particulars: We believe that we must have a well-grounded respect in our heritage — awareness of sadire (individual and collective) in the past and most important, at the present, and what our legacy is and how to continue to weave the threads we have in the present light. In other words, how do we live and face the moment in relation to our wisdom as Bikol, Filipino, as human beings in the universe’s 16th billion year of evolution?

This is part of our sense of purpose, obligation, commitment, essential gesture, or gift as human being and citizen who adapt integral awareness, freedom, creativity, compassion, peace, love, and who enjoys honest, just, decent and good government.

At the same time, we believe that our Po potentials can grow and flourish at this eon. For Po is the reason that you and I express po deeply, know that everything change, everything is interdependent, earthworms have nine hearts, that anti-matter or Bikol Republika exist.

Bikol Republika is also a sentiment borne out of centuries of government neglect and indifference, as well as the Bikolians’ own neglect and indifference with the resultant powerlessness, despair, widespread poverty, and ignorance. We say, no more, and desire change. So that the growing guimata or consciousness among most Bikolians is on, in this day of globalisation and integration, to assume our place in the formation of a common future as responsible conscious human beings, mindful of IS or All, not merely my/mine or of/for a region or the human community alone.

First-Phase-Objectives of Bikol Republika:

1. To initiate and promote a genuine Bikol cultural transformation.

2. To create awareness among Bikolians about development in connection with their economic, social, political, cultural, and natural milieu as well as compel them to action.

3. (Your own suggestions.)